Special edition: Bone & Joint Health
MSM
Another key ingredient is MSM – or methylsulfonylmethane – is mostly positioned for joint health (although it is now starting to appear in some sports nutrition products).
The joint health potential of MSM is linked to its sulfur content. “MSM is made up of 34% sulfur which is the fourth most abundant mineral in the body,” explained Tim Hammond, VP of sales and marketing for Bergstrom Nutrition, the only North American manufacturers of MSM. Sulfur is important in all connective tissue. MSM helps those other actives perform at peak efficiency.”
MSM is found in small amounts in a number of foods but is often destroyed in processing. The molecule can be formed in the body as a metabolite of DMSO, or dimethyl sulfoxide, a wood-pulp derived liquid substance that easily crosses the skin. However, FDA never approved the use of DMSO for use apart from in interstitial cystitis, a bladder condition.
But FDA has passed on Bergstrom’s OptiMSM-branded ingredient as a legal and safe dietary ingredient via a GRAS no objection letter in 2008. Benjamin said he believes this sets his company’s ingredient apart.
For more on MSM, please click HERE.